BP very active at night - stressed?

I've had my ball python for about 9 days, and I've noticed that he is very active at night, poking his head up to all of the corners at the top of the enclosure like he is trying to find a way out. He does this for a half hour or so, and I've noticed it most nights. I remember reading that a lot of activity can be a sign of stress, as it means they are looking for better conditions than where they currently are.

Is he just still exploring and getting settled into his new enclosure? Or is it a sign of undue stress?

Just checked the temps - hot side is 89, cool side is 80, and ambient temp is 80. Humidity is 65, but I just misted recently because it was low this afternoon. He's actually eaten for me, two nights ago, which I know they are unlikely to do if they are feeling too stressed.

So is this normal behavior? Or should I be concerned?

Thanks!

They are nocturnal by nature.

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Originally Posted by buddah4207

They are nocturnal by nature.

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Thanks, yeah, I know. I'm just wondering if all the activity that seems like he's trying to get out is a sign that he's not totally comfortable with some aspect of his environment.

This much activity might be normal behavior - this is my first snake, so I don't know!

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Originally Posted by sqocelot

Thanks, yeah, I know. I'm just wondering if all the activity that seems like he's trying to get out is a sign that he's not totally comfortable with some aspect of his environment.

This much activity might be normal behavior - this is my first snake, so I don't know!

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Being nocturnal, they're usually active at night, yeah. :) so it's totally normal. Especially if he's still hiding most of the day and eating properly, no need to worry.

Possible also the food you're feeding is a bit small, because being more active than usual at night also means they're hungry. How much does he weigh and what size prey are you feeding?

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

Being nocturnal, they're usually active at night, yeah. :) so it's totally normal. Especially if he's still hiding most of the day and eating properly, no need to worry.

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Thank you!! I suspected it was probably normal, but figured it wouldn't hurt to ask and get some more experienced snake owners' takes on it :D I'm so taken with my boy Salisbury already, and I just want to make sure I'm giving him the best home I can!

Seconding the idea of considering a larger prey item, if weight allows for it. He might just be hungry.

Another possibility is exploring the range of his enclosure if any changes have been made to it recently.

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

Possible also the food you're feeding is a bit small, because being more active than usual at night also means they're hungry. How much does he weigh and what size prey are you feeding?

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He weighs 432g, and the meal I've fed him so far was a weaned rat pup.



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Originally Posted by sqocelot

He weighs 432g, and the meal I've fed him so far was a weaned rat pup.



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Okay! That's on the small side. The prey should be the same width to slightly wider than the widest part of his body for now. He could probably take large weaned or small rats.

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

Okay! That's on the small side. The prey should be the same width to slightly wider than the widest part of his body for now. He could probably take large weaned or small rats.

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Ok, thank you! I actually meant weaned, and not pups. But it had probably been a couple weeks since he'd eaten before I fed him the other day, since the breeder told me that he was due for a meal when he sent him out, and I didn't try feeding him for a week so that he could get settled in. After another meal or two maybe he'll be a little more settled.